[DK Zimmerman]

This is not a if...then construct along the lines of "We endorsed free elections so we must accept the result." The process is a good thing, but actions have consequences. Citizenship (and voting) also entails responsibility. Somebody likened Hamas to the Nazis, above. Hoping to avoid oversimplification, I just note, BOTH won at least one key popular vote. Maybe even for roughly similar reasons. I assume you are not saying we therefore should have accepted everything the Nazis proceeded to do.

In the case of Hamas, they have publicly and loudly proclaimed their desire to see the end of Israel and their support of terrorism. Palestinians elected these jokers in full knowledge. They will undoubtedly reap accordingly. And there is nothing wrong with that.

Frankly, offering Hamas a chance to recant (which wouldn't be worth the breath required to claim it) is probably overly generous. Carpet bombing seems far more appropriate. I see absolutely nothing with condemning the Hamas government nor the Palestinian people suffering for their decision.

[DK Zimmerman]

Er, nothing >wrong< with

[MikefromOhio]

I agree with everything up to the carpet bombing.

It won't happen and it shouldn't.

[lnbchip]

But, I think we can't just simplify Pat's arguments to apply only to Hamas. The underlying argument is still unanswered. The idea of carpet bombing is stupid. It doesn't do anything to resolving the final problem of eliminating the support for terrorism in the region. Until the people stop supporting terrorists, we are going to have one hell of a time getting rid of them. What happens if we blow Hamas off the face of the planet. Does that get rid of terrorists in the area? I think that's a little simplistic. I just don't know if that will stop the Palestinians, Saudis, Iranians, Iraqis, etc. from supporting terrorists.